Everything went downhill after the 4th grader received the shot at school on October 15.

"Eight hours later she was profusely vomiting and again Friday morning. Saturday, she was paralyzed from the waist down, blind and seemed like she had a seizure."
Brenda Faulk, Brianna's mother

The 9-year-old from Gavelston was transported to Texas Children's Hospital's Medical Center. Doctors were not certain what made these medical events occur, but Brianna's family has suspicions of their own.

"We know in our hearts this was the flu vaccine that made her ill"
Johnny Alexander, Stepfather

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Disorder
A brief but intense attack of swelling in the brain and spinal cord and occasionally the optic nerves that damages the brain's myelin.

Her parents still believe that the ADEM was onset by the flu shot.

According to her GoFundMe page, "Doctors say her recovery could take up to one year and will not completely recover."

Annual flu shots are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for anyone over the age of 6-months. The only people who should not receive a shot are those with egg allergies or who have had adverse reactions before.

Dr. Umair Shah advises that flu shots are usually extremely safe. Although reactions do happen, they are usually mild.

"There are a lot of myths that are out there," the Executive Director of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services stated to KTRK.

"There are some cases, very rare, that a flu shot has a more severe reaction and those reactions are minor in terms of the number of people who are going to get those."
Dr. Umair Shah, Executive Director, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services

For all anyone knows, Brianna could be the small portion that fits into that group. All they want, according to KTRK, is to share Brianna's story with the world and for the girl to make a full recovery.

"She's a fighter and I stay positive. I stay positive for her."
Brenda Faulk, Mother